Electric Cars

The Mazda CX-5 has joined an exclusive club within the automaker's history, achieving over five million units in global production and sales since its debut in 2011. This remarkable feat positions the compact crossover as only the third Mazda vehicle to reach such a significant milestone, following in the footsteps of the Mazda 323 (achieved in 1986) and the Mazda3 (achieved in 2016). This accomplishment highlights the CX-5's sustained popularity and its crucial role in Mazda's global market strategy.

This success reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences towards crossovers and SUVs, a trend that has prompted many manufacturers to adjust their product offerings. The CX-5's widespread appeal is evident in its availability across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. Looking ahead, an entirely new, third-generation CX-5 is slated for release in North America in the spring of 2026. This upcoming model aims to build on the current generation's strengths, offering a refreshed design and enhanced features to meet evolving market demands.

Despite a slight dip in Mazda's overall U.S. sales in 2025, both the CX-5 and its rugged counterpart, the CX-50, experienced positive sales growth. The CX-5 alone recorded 136,355 units sold, representing a two percent increase, even with the impending launch of a new generation. The forthcoming 2026 CX-5 is expected to blend Mazda’s signature Kodo design philosophy with a more expansive interior and advanced technological upgrades, including a large 15.6-inch touchscreen and a Gemini AI assistant. Remarkably, the base model of the new CX-5 will start at an accessible price of $29,990, signifying only a modest increase despite substantial improvements. Mazda is also strategically increasing its focus on hybrid vehicles as consumer interest in electric vehicles evolves, with plans to introduce a fully electric model later in the decade.

The journey of the Mazda CX-5 underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability in the automotive industry. Its enduring success is a testament to Mazda's commitment to delivering quality and value, constantly evolving to meet the needs and desires of drivers globally. The forthcoming generation, with its blend of modern technology, enhanced comfort, and strategic pricing, is poised to continue this legacy of excellence and contribute to a sustainable and forward-looking automotive landscape.

BMW has unveiled a refined version of its recognizable circular emblem, a change that subtly updates the brand's visual identity while maintaining its deep historical roots. This nuanced refresh, which will gradually be incorporated across all BMW models from February, commencing with the 2027 iX3 electric SUV, reflects the automaker's delicate balance between honoring its rich past and embracing a forward-looking design direction. The adjustments are so understated that many enthusiasts might initially overlook them, yet they signify a deliberate evolution in BMW's brand strategy as it ushers in the 'Neue Klasse' era.

The fundamental structure of the BMW badge remains intact: a black outer ring encircling a central circle divided into four quadrants of alternating blue and white. However, a keen eye will spot the disappearance of the inner chrome ring, replaced by a more contemporary matte finish on the black border. This meticulous attention to detail, while seemingly minor, represents countless hours of graphic design work aimed at modernizing the emblem without alienating its loyal fanbase. Such a delicate redesign underscores the significant reverence for a symbol that has been an integral part of BMW's identity for over a century.

The origins of BMW's distinguished roundel trace back more than 100 years, born from the consolidation of two aeronautical engineering firms in the early 1920s. Initially, the logo was linked to Rapp Motorenwerke, featuring a horse's head. It later evolved to incorporate the light blue and white checkered pattern, a direct homage to the official Bavarian flag and the coat of arms of the House of Wittelsbach. Despite a popular misconception, perpetuated by an early advertising campaign, that the blue and white elements symbolized a rotating aircraft propeller, the true inspiration lies in heraldry, not aviation. While the company did indeed produce inline-six engines for aircraft in its nascent years, the design's core meaning is rooted in Bavarian history. Over the decades, minor alterations have been made, such as the transition from gold lettering in earlier versions, yet the fundamental elements have endured since 1953.

The M Performance division also has its distinct badge, which is slated for its own subtle revision. Given the conservative nature of the latest main BMW logo update, it's anticipated that the M badge's modifications will similarly be iterative, reflecting a cautious approach to brand consistency. This contrasts with BMW's past strategies, where 'M' badging was sometimes liberally applied to models like the X1, potentially diluting its exclusivity. The current measured approach signifies a more refined brand direction.

BMW's design philosophy has recently undergone a period of intense scrutiny, with models like the contemporary M3 attracting diverse opinions. The forthcoming Neue Klasse design language, however, suggests a return to a design ethos celebrated in iconic models such as the E39 M5, E46 M3, and E31 850. With this subtly updated logo, BMW's design teams appear to be signaling an understanding that less can often be more impactful. This seemingly minor shift in branding could herald a significant turning point for the automaker, reinforcing its heritage while propelling it into a new era of automotive design and innovation.